PKH Task Force Cracks Down on 200-Hectare Illegal Gold Mine in Nabire, Central Papua

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Satuan Tugas Penertiban Kawasan Hutan (PKH Task Force) in the Nabire region has cracked down on unlicensed gold mining activities (PETI) in the Siriwo and Uwapa Districts, Nabire Regency, Central Papua, on Monday (4/5/2026).

“PKH Task Force personnel continue to carry out firm and measured enforcement until successfully regaining control of the forest area spanning more than 200 hectares,” stated the Head of the TNI Information Centre (Kapuspen), Major General TNI Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, in his statement on Friday (8/6/2026).

During the operation, the PKH Task Force also secured 10 heavy equipment units consisting of six excavators and four loaders.

These tools are suspected of being used to support illegal mining activities at the site.

“The Task Force also secured several heavy equipment operators and mine supervisors present at the location to undergo further processes in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” Aulia explained.

In carrying out the operation, the PKH Task Force received support from the ranks of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih and Korem 173/Praja Vira Braja.